Lightning strikes 89 times in 24 hours

STRIKE ONE: This transformer shows clear evidence of Tuesday night's lighting strike. PHOTO/SUPPLIED 03062015WCSUPTRANSFORM

A lightning strike on Tuesday night took out the power supply to the Kai Iwi district north of Wanganui along with a transformer that delivers power to pumps providing water to the city.

It was one of 89 lightning strikes recorded in the Wanganui district in the 24 hours to 10am yesterday. And while most of those strikes happened out to sea, some occurred over land.

About 7pm on Tuesday one of those lightning boltsknocked out power to homes in the Kai Iwi area as well as the pumps working the three bores on Rangitatau East Rd. Power was cut for about three hours.

Dave Rudolph, a senior engineer officer at Wanganui District Council, said power was restored to the area about 11.30pm and pumps for number 1 and 2 bores were started and brought back on line.

"However, number 3 bore still had no power and on further investigation the main power pole had taken a lightning hit and this has tracked to the main transformer for number 3 bore," he said.

Mr Rudolph said Powerco isolated the pole as it was still live and removed fuses. He said the transformer would have to be replaced.

"Powerco has a transformer available and will be looking at starting on Monday next week. The work should be completed in four to five days."

The pump motor had been tested and appeared to be okay but more extensive tests were needed.

Mr Rudolph said water was still being supplied the two remaining bores as well as two other bores in the city.

"With the demand down we should be okay for water levels," he added.

Mr Rudolph said reservoir levels were likely to have recovered overnight.